Fu Bao is seen rising abruptly in front of visitors, clasping her paws together, and repeatedly bowing her head in what appears to be a polite greeting. (Image from the YouTube channel Pudung Pudung)
SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Korea Bizwire) – Fu Bao, the giant panda that was recently returned to China after living the first four years of her life in South Korea, has become the subject of controversy amid speculation that she is undergoing “hospitality training” at her new home.
A video posted on August 30 by a fan-run social media account has sparked these concerns. In the footage, Fu Bao is seen rising abruptly in front of visitors, clasping her paws together, and repeatedly bowing her head in what appears to be a polite greeting.
When spectators applaud, she seems to search the ground, possibly for food. This behavior is repeated as Fu Bao circles her enclosure for one to two minutes.
The video has led to online speculation that Fu Bao might be undergoing training for “secret receptions,” a practice the Shenshuping base in Sichuan Province, where Fu Bao now resides, is rumored to conduct. These “secret receptions” allegedly involve showing popular pandas to tourists for a fee.
Reports suggest that pandas involved in these events are trained to greet guests demurely and strike poses as requested by special visitors. There are concerns that such training may involve physical punishment.
Adding to the concerns, observers have noted a decrease in Fu Bao’s activity levels. She has been seen panting heavily in front of bamboo or retreating into her den for extended periods. This has led to speculation about potential health issues. (Image from the YouTube Pudung)
Fu Bao’s father, Le Bao, has reportedly been involved in similar events in China, including “touch-a-panda” experiences.
Adding to the concerns, observers have noted a decrease in Fu Bao’s activity levels. She has been seen panting heavily in front of bamboo or retreating into her den for extended periods. This has led to speculation about potential health issues.
In response to these concerns, the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda issued a statement on Weibo explaining that Fu Bao has entered a “pseudo-pregnancy” state, comparable to a second growth phase in humans.
The center stated, “Fu Bao experienced hormonal changes in March and April, showing her first estrus behaviors. Since mid-to-late August, she has shown reduced appetite, decreased bamboo intake and defecation, reduced activity, and increased rest time.”
They added that examinations have revealed “significant physiological changes in Fu Bao’s external genitalia” and assured that they would “strengthen health management to help her through the pseudo-pregnancy period smoothly.”
Born in July 2020, Fu Bao was the first giant panda naturally bred in South Korea. She was returned to China in April of this year, in accordance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which stipulates that pandas born outside China must be sent back before reaching four years of age.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
